The Bangladesh Bank is considering the implementation of a crawling peg system to address currency volatility, as stated in its monetary policy. The proposed system would link to a basket of currencies, operating within a predefined exchange rate corridor. This strategy aims to stabilize the currency by setting an equilibrium exchange rate, providing flexibility for intervention as needed. Currently, only three countries, including Botswana, Honduras, and Nicaragua, use a crawling peg, according to the IMF.
Bangladesh’s forex regime has faced significant volatility, with reserves halving and the taka depreciating by 28% in two years. Experts call for a shift to a market-based exchange rate system to stabilize the currency. The crawling peg is viewed as a transitional arrangement towards a fully flexible regime, aligning with Bangladesh Bank’s strategic directives for the second half of FY24. Business professionals should monitor this development for potential impacts on currency stability and foreign exchange reserves.